Pillow



A ril 10, 1945.

E. SCHMID PILLOW Filed May '5, 1943 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 lll illl IN VEN TOR. SCfi/V/O Patented Apr. 10, 1945 UNITED STATE? ATE T OF PILLOW Emil Schmid, Washington, D. 0.

Application May 5, 1943, Serial No. 485,765

My invention relates to pillows.

An important object of the invention isto pro-' vide a pillow for use with stretchers, litters or beds.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for detachably mounting the pillow upon the stretcher, litter or bed, which attaching means has its locking or attaching action retained by the outward pressure of the head upon the pillow.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pillow of the above mentioned character which when held in the opened position will be suitably yielding or compressible to promote the convenience of the user.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pillow of the above mentioned character which is substantially completely opened at its opposite ends to provide the maximum air circulation thereby rendering the pillow cool in use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hollow pillow so constructed that a. cooling medium, such as dry ice, may be arranged therein.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pillow of the above mentioned character which may be readily adjusted to the opened position, or collapsed for the purpose of shipment, and the parts of which can be readily separated for cleaning, sterilizing orpther purposes.

A further object of the invention is to provide a pillow of, the above mentioned character which is simple in construction, cheap to-manufacture and easy to manipulate.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the follow.- ing description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Figure 1 is an end elevation of the pillow em-- Figure 3 is a central vertical longitudinal section through the pillow, taken on the line 33 of v Figure 2, parts broken away,

Figure 3* is a similar view of a modified form of the invention,

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the modified diagonal brace,

Figure 4 is a plan view of the supporting unit 55 included in the pillow, the end frames being collapsed,

Figure 5 is a horizontal section taken on the line '5-5 of Figure 2,

Figure dis a view similar to Figure 5 upon an enlarged scale, parts broken away,

Figure 7 is a transverse section taken on the line 1-1 of Figure 6, I

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the pillow cover removed,

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the end attaching bracket removed,

Figure 10 is a transverse section taken on line base and associated elements of the supporting unit.

In the drawings, wherein'iorthe purpose of illustration are shown preferred embodiments of my invention, Figures 1 to 10 inclusive, show the first form of the invention. 'In these figures, the numeral 20 designates the rails of a combined stretcher or litter and bed, preferably of the construction shown in my eopending application for Combined stretcher or litter and bed, filed April 2, 1943, Serial No. 481,611. While it is'preferred to applymy'improved pillow to this combined stretcher or litter and bed yet the present invention is not restricted to this application. Near the head ends of the rails 20, such rails are provided with U-shaped keepers 2|, Figure 3, rigidly secured thereto by screws 22 or the like. These keepers have their outer arms provided with horizontal lateral extensions 23, as shown. The lateral xtensions 23 are adapted to be passed vertically through notches 24, formed in U-shaped sockets 25 of attaching brackets 26. The notches 24 are arranged nearer the outer or head end of the brackets 26, so that after the extensions 23 are passed upwardly through the notches 24, the brackets 26 are shifted horizontally outwardly toward the head end of the combined stretcher or litter and bed, and the extensions 23 will then engage above the bottom walls of the sockets 25, out of alignment with the notches 2'4.

The pillow comprises a rigid base or b0ttomelement 21, preferably formed of wood or the like, and the brackets are arranged at the opposite ends of the base 21 and are disposed beneath the base and extend transversely thereof, and

are rigidly attached thereto by rivets 28 or the like. As more clearly shown in Figure 2, the opposite ends of the brackets 26 are continued in the form of vertical knuckles 29, Figure 9, which project above the base 21, and are apertured at 3 0.

The numeral 3| designates end frames or loops, which are rigid and are preferably elliptical in shape, although the shape may be varled. The frames 3| are preferably tubular to impart to the same stiffness and lightness and their inner free ends 32 are spaced, as clearly shown in Figure 2. These inner ends 32 are adapted for insertion within the apertures-3|| whereby the frames 3| are detachably pivotally connected with the brackets 26. Means are pro-' vided to retain the ends 32 of each frame 3| within the apertures 30, including a resilient latch 33 arranged upon the base '21, at each end thereof, and pivoted to thebase at its center, as.

shown at 3'1. In Figure 4, the ends of the latch are out of alignment withthe ends 32, whereby the frames 3| may be removed, while in-Figure the ends of the latch 33 are in alignment with the ends 32, and slightly enterthe ends so that the frame is held against being removed.

The numeral 35 designates a; pillow cover, formed of fabric or any other flexible material, which is preferably non-elastic. This pillow cover is provided at its ends with transversev 2! by screws 40 or the like. Removable pins,

Figures 3, 4 and 5, serve to pivotally connect the inner endsof the'braces 3 1 with the strip 39. Each brace 37, Figures 3, 4 and '7, is pro-' vided with a head42, having longitudinal openings 43, 'slidably'receiving rigid rods 44, having heads 45 at their inner ends, to limit the outward movement of the rods. These rods are included in a'generally U-shaped slide, and the outer portions of the rods are bent to provide a U-shaped head, including arms .46 connected by a transverse portion 41, forming shoulders 48 with the arms 46. Compressible coiled springs 49 surround the rods M beneaththe arms 46 and project into a counter bore 50 and engage a shoulder 5|. As more. clearly shown in Figure 3, when the diagonal brace 37 is in the raised position, the shoulders 48 engage behind or inwardly of the top of the frame 3|, and yieldingly hold the frame in the opened or vertical position. When the brace 31 is separated from the frame 3|, it may be folded to a horizontal position, andwill then enter the slot 38 and will be positioned substantially parallel with the base 21 and over the latch 33 and will then project outwardly beyond the base 21.

In Figures 3 and 3 I have shown a modification of the invention embodyinga different form of yieldingdiagonal brace. In'this form of the invention the numeral 52 designates a longitudinally yielding brace, formed of suitably stiff resilient wire. This brace includes opposed sides 53 and 54, preferably slightly converging outwardly. The inner ends of these sides are connected by generally U-shaped portions 55, which project laterally outwardly and have their closed ends arranged outermost. The free ends of the arms 54 are bent inwardly to provide pivots 56, for insertion within the openings 4| which also receive the pins 4| when the braces 3'! are used, Figures 2 and 3. The sides 54 are disposed outwardly of the strip 35. The free ends of the arms 53 are connected by a U-shaped head 5?,

' having upstanding shoulders 58. The heads 5'! engage with the upper central portions of the frames 3| and the shoulders 58 engage behind or inwardly of the frames 3|. When downward pressure is applied to the pillow cover, the braces 52 will yield longitudinally, due to the vertical or transverse yielding action of the U-shaped portions 55 and the spreading action of the sides 53 and 54. Allother parts of the pillow remain identical with those shown and described in connection withthe first form of my invention.

In Figures 12 to 15 inclusive I have shown a further modification oftheinvention. In this modification, the numeral 59 designates curved or bowedframes, substituted for the frames 3|. These frames are provided at their-free ends with apertured knuckles 6|), to receive the ends of pivot rods 6|, also extending through the apertures 30- of the knuckles 29. Each pivot rod isprovided at its center with a laterally offset U-shaped portion 62, to be swung downwardly into longitudinal slots 83, formed in the base 21. When the U-shaped portion 62 is moved into the slots 63, such U-shaped portion holds the pivot rod:6i against longitudinal movement so that its ends cannot be withdrawn from the apertures of the. knuckles 6 0 and 29. I

The numerals designatesdiagonal braces, the inner ends of which are arranged within the. slots 38 and are pivotally connected with the strip 39 by thepins 4 The braces 64 are rigid and are The operation of the first form of the inven tion is as follows V With the various elements of the pillow in the opened position, the base 2'! is arranged above the rails 20, adjacent to'the head end of these rails. The transverse brackets 26 are arranged upon the outer edges of the rails 20, outwardly of the'keepers 2|, and the horizontal extensions 23 pass through the notches 24 and b'ecome position'ed above the inner face of the bottom wall of the sockets 25. elements are then shifted toward the head end of the bed and the extensions 23 Will then' be brought into engagement with the inner ends of the'sockets 25. The brackets 26 are therefore locked to the rails 20 against vertical separation rails; and the resultof this pressure is to retain the brackets 26 securely locked to the rails. When the pressure is removed, the base 21 may b shifted inwardly, until the extensions 23 again register with the notches 24,'at which time the base and brackets 26 may be vertically separated from the rails. When the base 21 is securely attached to the rails, and the other elements of the pillow are in the opened position, the diag- The base 21 and associated onal braces '31 are raised and inclined, and yield ingly". hold the frames 3| in the opened vertical position. The downward pressure upon the pillowncover 35 will cause the springs 49 to yield cover, or for other reasons, the rods 44 are forced inwardly manually so that the shoulders 48 clear the frames 3!. from the rods 44. The latch 33, which is resilient, has its free ends rounded, and these rounded ends project slightly into the ends 32 of the tubular frame, and this serves to hold the latch against improper turning movement, when its ends are in alignment with the ends 32-. When lateral pressure is applied to the latch 33, itsrounded ends ride upwardly upon the ends 32, whereby the ends of the latch are withdrawn from the ends 32, and the latch is then turned to brin its ends out of alignment with the ends 32. The frame 3i may now be shifted longitudinally to bring one end 32 out of the aperture 30 and this end may now be moved out of alignment with the knuckle 29, the aperture 30 being suitably larger than the diameter of the frame 3! for this purpose, and then the frame shifted longitudinally in the opposite direction so that the other end 32 is withdrawn from the other aperture 30. The

frame 3| may then be moved out of the hem 36.

In a similar manner, the companion frame 3| is separated from the bracket 36 and the adjacent end of the pillow cover 35. The pillow cover is applied to the frames 3| and these frames are again mounted upon the brackets 26 by a reverse of this operation. When the resilient latches 33 are in the normal position, their ends project a short distance into the ends 32 of the tubular frame 3|, which hold the latches against improper turning movement. The ends ofthe latch 33 being in alignment with the ends 32 limit the longitudinal movement of the frame 3f.

The operation of the form of the invention shown in Figures 3 and 3 is similar to that described in connection with the first form of the invention. The diagonal brace 52 will yield longitudinally, producing a yielding resilient action similar to that. produced by the spring 4!. The diagonal brace 52 may be separated from the frames 3|.

In the operation, of the third form of the invention shown in Figures 12 to 15 inclusive, the diagonal braces 64 hold the frames vertical or By this means, the opened pillow cover 35.

The extent of yielding The frame is therefore separated opened. These braces 64 are not resilient and the yield depends entirely upon that of the fabric of the pillow cover 35. In this instance the pillow cover 35 may be slightly elastic. The diagonal braces 64 may be readily separated from the frames 3!. the bracket 26, by swinging the U-shaped portion 62 of the pivot rod 6| upwardly to withdraw the same from the notches 63, after which the pivot rod may be shifted longitudinally in one direction to withdraw one end from within the apertures of the knuckles and 30, and the rod will then be adjusted to clear these knuckles and shift it longitudinally in an opposite direction, to withdraw the opposite end of the pivot rod from the apertures of the knuckles 60 and 29. The apertures of these knuckles are larger in diameter Each frame may be separated from manipulation of the pivot rod 6 I.

As shown in Figure .5, a receptacle 66 is arranged within the tubular pillowcover 33 upon the strip 39, for receiving dry ice 61, serving to cool the pillow.

It is to be understood that the forms of. my

inventionherewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred embodiments of the sameand that-various changes in the shapasize, andrelation thereto, springs to oppose the longitudi nal-movement of the rods in one direction, and' means connected with the rods for detachable engagement with the frames.

2.-In a pillow of the character described, a base, frames pivotally connected with the base to swing longitudinally thereof, a pillow cover carried by the frames, and longitudinally resilient diagonal braces for holding the frames open, each resilient brace comprising sides having laterally extending resilient generally U -shaped Dortions, means for pivotally connecting the inner ends of the sides with the base, and means for attaching the outer ends of the sides with the adjacent frame.

3. In a pillow of the character described, a base, frames pivotally connected with the base to swin longitudinally thereof, a pillow cover carried by the frames, and resilient diagonal braces for holding the frames open, each resilient brace including a pair of sides, each side including inner and outer portions and a generally U-shaped portion connecting the inner ends of the inner and outer portions, the inner end of the inner portions being bent to provide pivot elements for pivotal connection with the base, the outer ends of the a frame for ooaction with each pair ofapertured knuckles and having spaced inner ends for insertion within the apertures of the knuckles and movable longitudinally within said apertured knuckles, means mounted upon the base and separate from each frame and arranged adjacent to and inwardly of the ends of each frame to detachably engage such ends to limit the longitudinal movement of such inner ends, apillow cover connecting the frames, and mean to hold the frames in the opened position.

5. In a pillow of the character described, a base, pairs of apertured knuckles secured to the base, a frame having inwardly facing spaced ends for removable insertion within the apertures of each pair of knuckles, a pivoted latch arranged between each pair of knuckle and having its ends adapted to be shifted into and out of alignment with the inwardly facing ends of each frame, a pillow cover connecting the frames, and means to hold the frames in the opened position.

6. In a pillow of the character described, a base, pairs of apertured knuckles carried by the base,

than the pivot. rod 3| to permit of the proper a tubular frame having inwardly facing ends for removable insertion through the apertures of each pair of knuckles, a pivoted spring latch arranged between each pair of knuckles and'having reduced ends for movement into and out of alignment with the inwardly facing ends of the tubular frame, the reduced end of the latch being adapted to enter the ends of the tubular frame, a pillow cover connecting the frames, and means to hold the frames in the open position.

7. In a pillow of the character described, a base, pairs of apertured knuckles secured to the base, frames arranged near the pairs of apertured knuckles and having apertured knuckles, a pivot rod for insertion through the pairs of knuckles of each frame and the adjacent pair of knuckles and removable therefrom, releasable mean to limit the longitudinal movement of the pivot rod, a pillow cover connecting the frames, and means to hold the frames in the opened position,

8. In a pillow of the character described, a base, pairs of apertured knuckles secured to the base, frames arranged near the pairs of apertured knuckles, each frame having a pair of apertured 6 vided with a U-shapedportion, said base hav ing means to receive the U-shaped portion to thereby hold the pivot rod against longitudinal movement, a pillow cover connecting th frames, and means to hold the frames in the opened 10 position.

9. The combination with the rails of a stretcher, litter or bed, of keepers rigidly secured to the rails and having substantially horizontal extensions, a rigid base arranged upon the rails and 16 extending transversely thereof, brackets rigidly secured to the base and extending transversely of the base and including horizontal parts having notches in their edges, the extensions of the keepers being passed through the notches when 20 the bracket are moved downwardly with relation to the keepers so that the keepers engage over said horizontal parts, and a pillow element carried by the base.

EMIL SCHMID. 

